Ruby was taken apart to be sure that all major and minor parts were OK and Rod was astounded by the cleanliness of the body. Rod explains: “There was zero rust and the further I worked my way through the rebuild, the more I was convinced that the 101,162 miles on the clock were genuine. I had intended to do a full body off restoration but it was un-necessary.”

The seats and most of the floor interior were removed as part of the rebuild.The upholstery was quite good and will be kept in storage for later use.

Next to be removed was the engine which will be replaced by a completely new rebuild. Talking of rebuilds, the front and rear end had all new bushes to the front and new front hubs.

A more steering friendly steering box to be fitted, a real must for Mongolia, before Ruby was taken to Wicked Fabrications, an aluminium fabrication workshop where the rear fuel tank was manufactured and fitted as well as an underfloor storage bin incorporating a relocated battery storage position. At the same time, Rod fitted fender wells in both front guards so that Ruby would be six wheel equipped plus the original mounted on the rear, making her a seven wheel equipped car.

Rod added: “My very good friend Mark from Wicked Fabrications, who is a bit of a car freak like me, made the fuel tank and parts bin and cut and fitted the spare wheel wells in the guards. Great guy and great work. Wicked is located in the Coomera River Marina Precinct which I can actually
see from my house. Very convenient just 10 minutes from my home workshop.